The CEO Confidence Index, Chief Executive’s monthly gauge of CEOs’ expectations for business conditions over the next 12 months, jumped more than 5 percent in March, landing at 6.2 out of a possible 10. This is the highest rating CEOs have given in the survey since April 2011. CEOs also rated current conditions more than 4 percent higher than in February. At 5.75 out of 10, this is the highest rating of current conditions since December.
Despite the clear increase in optimism reflected in the Confi- dence Index ratings, comments received from the CEO respon- dents show a more cautious sentiment prevailing. “The feeling and talk about the economy is positive, but the ramification of the past few years keeps the enthusiasm in check,” said one CEO. “It will require quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year results before the conservative component becomes just a normal part of the deal and not a lingering thought.”
The expectations executives have for their own businesses have improved compared to last year, with more than 70 percent of CEOs now expecting their firm’s revenue to increase over the next 12 months. Last year at this time, only 66 percent of CEOs expected revenue growth. Despite this positive indicator, clearly some caution remains. Only 48 percent of CEOs expect an increase in capital expenditures over the coming year. This is a modest increase from the March 2013 survey, when 45 percent of CEOs had increased expectations for capex. Similarly, 46 percent of CEOs now expect an increase in their number of employees, which is a 5 percentage point increase from last year.
A common sentiment from CEOs is regulatory uncertainty and dysfunction in Washington. “Until we can predict the costs of labor, capital expenditures, regulation and labor we cannot risk scarce cash reserves,” noted one business leader. “Does anyone trust laws, regulations, rules made in Washington?”
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
